the Week of Christ the King / Proper 29 / Ordinary 34
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Genesis 24:5
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The servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?"
And the slave said to him, Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I bring your son again to the land from where you came?
The servant said to him, "What if this woman does not want to return with me to this land? Then, should I take your son with me back to your homeland?"
The servant asked him, "What if the woman is not willing to come back with me to this land? Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?"
And the servant said to him, It may be the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land: must I needs bring thy son again to the land from whence thou camest?
The servant said to him, "What if the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your son again to the land you came from?"
The servant said to him, "Suppose the woman will not be willing to follow me back to this country; should I take your son back to the country from which you came?"
The seruaunt aunswerde, If the womman nyle come with me in to this lond, whether Y owe lede ayen thi sone to the place, fro which thou yedist out?
And the servant saith unto him, `It may be the woman is not willing to come after me unto this land; do I at all cause thy son to turn back unto the land from whence thou camest out?'
The servant asked him, "What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?"
But the servant asked, "What if the young woman I choose refuses to leave home and come here with me? Should I send Isaac there to look for a wife?"
The servant replied, "Suppose the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land. Must I then bring your son back to the land from which you came?"
And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
And the servant said, If by chance the woman will not come with me into this land, am I to take your son back again to the land from which you came?
But the seruaunt sayd vnto hym: peraduenture the woman wyll not agree to come with me vnto this lande, shall I bryng thy sonne againe vnto the land whiche thou cammest out of?
And the servant said to him, Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land: must I, then, bring thy son again in any case to the land from which thou hast removed?
And the servant said unto him: 'Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land; must I needs bring thy son back unto the land from whence thou camest?'
And the seruant said vnto him, Peraduenture the woman will not bee willing to follow mee vnto this land: must I needes bring thy sonne againe, vnto the land from whence thou camest?
And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
The servant said to Abraham, "What if the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land? Should I take your son to the land you came from?"
The servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land; must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?"
And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman may not be willing to follow me into this land, - May I take back thy son, into the land from whence thou earnest?
And the seruant saide to him, What if the woman will not come with me to this land? shall I bring thy sonne againe vnto the lande from whence thou camest?
And the servant said to him, Suppose the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land; must I then take your son back to the land from whence you came?
But the servant asked, "What if the young woman will not leave home to come with me to this land? Shall I send your son back to the land you came from?"
The servant answered: If the woman will not come with me into this land, must I bring thy son back again to the place from whence thou camest out?
The servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land; must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?"
And the servant said to him, Shall I carry back thy son to the land whence thou camest forth, if haply the woman should not be willing to return with me to this land?
And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
The servant said to him, “Suppose the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Should I have your son go back to the land you came from?”
The servant said to him, "What if the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your son again to the land you came from?"
And the servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land—must I then return your son to the land from whence you came?"
And the slave said to him, Perhaps the woman will not be willing to go after me to this land; shall I indeed bring back your son into the land from out of which you came?
The seruaunt sayde: What and the woman wyl not folowe me in to this countre? shal I then cary thy sonne agayne in to yonder londe, where thou camest out of?
The servant answered, "But what if the woman refuses to leave home and come with me? Do I then take your son back to your home country?"
The servant said to him, "Suppose the woman is not willing to follow me to this land; should I take your son back to the land from where you came?"
And the servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?"
The servant asked, "But what if I can't find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?"
The servant said to him, "Suppose the woman is not willing to follow me to this land; should I take your son back to the land from where you came?"
And the servant said to him, "Suppose the woman is not willing to follow me to this land; should I indeed take your son back to the land from where you came?"
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
Peradventure: Genesis 24:58, Exodus 20:7, Exodus 9:2, Proverbs 13:16, Jeremiah 4:2
Reciprocal: Genesis 24:8 - only Genesis 24:39 - General
Cross-References
They called her and asked her, "Do you want to go with this man now?" Rebekah said, "Yes, I will go."
If you continue to hold them and refuse to let them go,
"You must not use the name of the Lord your God to make empty promises. If you do, the Lord will not let you go unpunished.
Wise people always think before they do anything, but fools show how stupid they are by what they do.
If you do these things, you will be able to use my name to make a promise. You will be able to say, ‘As the Lord lives.' You will be able to use these words in a truthful, honest, and right way. If you do these things, the nations will be blessed by the Lord. They will brag about what the Lord has done."
Gill's Notes on the Bible
And the servant said unto him,.... Before he would take the oath, being cautious of it, and desirous of knowing how far it reached, and what it would or would not oblige him to, which was prudently done:
peradventure the woman will not be to follow me into this land; supposing this should be the case, as it is not unlikely that the woman would object to coming along with him to the land of Canaan, and insist upon Isaac's coming into her country, and dwelling there, what must then be done?
must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? that is, must I agree with the woman on these terms, and promise that Isaac shall come and dwell with her in Mesopotamia? Now there was good reason for the servant's putting this question, since he was neither ignorant of the call of Abraham out of that laud, no more to return to it, nor of the promise of the land of Canaan to him and his posterity: and as for bringing Isaac "again", where he never had been in person, this may be accounted for by his being in the loins of Abraham when he was there, and came from thence, as Levi is said to be in his loins when he paid tithes to Melchizedek, and to pay them in him, Hebrews 7:9; and in like manner he might be said to be brought again, or return to Abraham's country, should he ever go there, as all the seed of Abraham are said in the fourth generation to come to Canaan again, though they had none of them been in person there before, Genesis 15:16; besides, as Drusius observes, to bring again, or return, signifies sometimes only to bring on, or to go to some certain place, see Ruth 1:10; however, the justness of the expression is confirmed by Abraham's answer in the next words.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
- The Marriage of Isaac
26. ×§×¨× qaÌdad, âbow the head.â ×ש×ת××× shaÌchaÌh, âbow the body.â
29. ××× laÌbaÌn, âLaban, white.â
In this circumstantial account of the marriage of Isaac, we have a beautiful picture of ancient manners in the East, the living original of which the present customs of that cradle of mankind are a striking copy.
Genesis 24:1-9
Abraham binds the chief servant of his house to seek a wife for his son Isaac among his kindred. The first movement in this matrimonial arrangement is on the part of the father, who does not consult his son, but the chief manager of his household affairs. Abraham is now a hundred and forty years of age, and Sarah has been three years dead. Isaac seems to have been of an easy, sedate turn of mind, and was not in circumstances to choose a partner for life such as his father would approve. The promise of a numerous offspring by the son of Sarah is before the mind of the patriarch. All these considerations impel him to look out for a suitable wife for his son, and the blessing of the Lord encourages him to proceed. The person whom Abraham intrusted with this delicate task has a threefold designation. First, he is âhis servantâ or minister. Secondly, he is the old man, ancient, or elder of his house. Here the term âelderâ approaches its official signification. In early times age was taken into account, along with good conduct and aptitude, as the qualification for services of trust. Thirdly, he âruled over all that he had.â He was therefore a master as well as a minister. If this be Eliezer of mascus Genesis 15:2, he was the steward of Abraham before the birth of Ishmael fifty-four Years ago. âUnder my thigh.â The thigh was the seat of generative power, and the region of sacramental consecration, and to put the hand under the thigh was to acknowledge and pledge obedience to him who requires the oath.
Genesis 24:3-4
The appeal is to God as âYahweh, God of heaven and God of the earth.â Yahweh is the personal name of God, which is properly used by those who are in fellowship with him. He is the Author of all being, and therefore of heaven and earth; and hence the arbiter of the destiny of the oath-taker, both in spiritual and material things, both in this life and in what is to come. âNot of the daughters of the Kenaanite,â a race sinking fast into ungodliness and unrighteousness, doomed to extirpation, to whom the promised seed is to succeed. The kindred of Abraham were Shemites, Hebrews, and still retained some knowledge of the true God, and some reverence for him and his will. The experienced elder of Abrahamâs house does not wish to bind himself by an oath to what it may be impossible to fulfill. He makes the supposition of the unwillingness of the bride whom he may select, and obtains a quittance from his oath in that ease. The patriarch, however, charges him not to bring his son back to the land of his fathers, and expresses his confidence in the God of promise, that he will direct his servant to the suitable wife for his son. âHis angelâ Genesis 16:7. This is the Lord in the function of an angel or messenger opening the way for the servant of Abraham. He does not make any appearance to the servant, though a superintending Providence is strikingly displayed in the whole affair. The faithful elder now understands and takes the required oath.
Genesis 24:10-14
He proceeds on his journey. âTook ten camels.â These are designed for conducting the bride and her companions home to his master. âAll the best belonging to his master in his hand.â This refers to the presents for the bride and her friends, and to the accommodations for her comfort on the journey. âAram-Naharaim.â Aram was an extensive area, embracing not only the country west of the Frat and north of Palestine, but the northern part of Mesopotamia, or the country between the Frat and the Dijlah. The latter region is for the sake of distinction called Aram of the two rivers. It did not include the southern part of Mesopotamia, which was called Shinar Genesis 11:2, and probably extended only to the Chaboras, Khabour. The part of it in which Haran was situated was called Padan-aram Genesis 28:2. âThe city of Nahor.â It is probable that Nahor accompanied his father, Terah, to Haran Genesis 11:31. If not, he must have followed him very soon.
Genesis 24:11
Made the camels kneel, - for repose. âThe time when the maidens that draw water come out.â The evening was the cool part of the day. The simple maidens of primitive days attended personally to domestic affairs. The experienced steward might therefore naturally expect to see the high-born damsels of the land at the public well, which had probably given rise to the neighboring town. The prayer of the aged servant is conceived in a spirit of earnest, childlike faith. The matter in hand is of extraordinary importance. A wife is to be found for the heir of promise. This was a special concern of God, and so the single-hearted follower of Abraham makes it. He takes upon himself the choice of a maiden among those that come to draw, to whom he will make the request of a particular act of kindness to a stranger, and he prays God that the intended bride may be known by a ready compliance with his request. The three qualifications, then, in the mind of the venerable domestic for a bride for his masterâs son, are a pleasing exterior, a kindly disposition, and the approval of God.
Genesis 24:15-21
The answer is immediate and direct. âHe had not yet done speaking,â when the answer came. A damsel âvery fair to look upon,â satisfying the taste of the old man, appears. He thereupon prefers his request, with which she promptly complies. The old man waits in wonder and silence to see if the Lordâs approval will follow.
Genesis 24:22-28
Rebekah makes herself known in reply to his inquiries. âA ring of gold.â The single ring was worn in the nose, the side cartilage of which was pierced for the purpose. This is a custom of the East. âA bekaâ was half a shekel, somewhat less than a quarter of an ounce. âTen of gold in weight.â Ten bekas would be about two ounces and a quarter. If shekels, however, be understood, the weight will be double. These were merely a reward for her kindness and courtesy to a stranger. Two questions are now asked by the stranger - the one relating to her kindred, and the other to the means and the inclination they had to entertain a stranger, when inns were not yet in existence. She announces herself to be the daughter of his masterâs nephew, and assures him of the requisite accommodation.
Genesis 24:26-27
Bowed his head and worshipped. - The bowing of the head and of the body are here combined to indicate the aged servantâs deep thankfulness for the guidance of the Lord. The utterance of the mouth accompanies the external gesture of reverence. âHer motherâs house;â those who were in the department of the females. We may imagine with what excitement and alacrity Rebekah would communicate the extraordinary intelligence.
Genesis 24:29-33
The reception of Abrahamâs servant. Laban now comes on the scene. He is ready to run with his sister to find the man, and invite him, as a matter of course, to his fatherâs house. âWhen he saw the ring.â The presents to his sister assure him that this is the envoy of some man of wealth and position. âThou blessed of the Lord.â The name of Yahweh was evidently not unfamiliar to Labanâs ears. He calls this stranger âblessed of Yahweh,â on account of his language, demeanor, and manifest prosperity. The knowledge and worship of the living God, the God of truth and mercy, was still retained in the family of Nahor. Being warmly invited, the man enters the house. âAnd he ungirded the camels.â Laban is the actor here, and in the following duties of hospitality. âThe menâs feet that were with him.â It comes out here, incidentally, as it was reasonable to infer from the number of camels, that Abrahamâs steward had a retinue of servants with him. The crowning act of an Eastern reception is the presenting of food. But the faithful servant must deliver his message before partaking of the friendly meal.
Verse 34-49
The servantâs errand is told. He explains his business in a singularly artless and pleasing manner. He then leaves the matter in the hands of the family. âGiven unto him all that he hath.â His children by Hagar and Keturah were dismissed with portions during his life, and the main bulk of his property was conveyed to Isaac.
Genesis 24:50-61
The servantâs return with Rebekah. So plain an interposition of Providence admits of no refusal on the part of those who revere the Lord. Bethuel now appears as a concurring party. Laban, as the full brother of Rebekah, has a voice in the disposal of her hand; but the father only has the power to ratify the contract. The patriarchâs servant first bows in acknowledgment to the Lord, who had now manifested his approval of the choice he had made, and then proceeds to distribute costly gifts to the bride, and to her brother and mother. Now at length the thankful guest partakes of the fare set before him along with his entertainers, and after the nightâs repose requests to be dismissed. âA few days;â perhaps a week or ten days. The mother and brother naturally plead for a little time to prepare for parting with Rebekah. They could not expect the servant, however, to stay months.
âInquire at her mouth.â This is the only free choice in the matter that seems to be given to Rebekah. Her consent may have been modestly indicated, before her family ratified the contract. It is plain, however, that it was thought proper that the parents should receive and decide upon a proposal of marriage. The extent to which the maidenâs inclinations would be consulted would depend very much on the custom of the country, and the intelligence and good feeling of the parents. In later times the custom became very arbitrary. Rebekahâs decision shows that she concurred in the consent of her relatives. âAnd her nurse.â Her name, we learn afterward Genesis 35:8, was Deborah. The nurse accompanied the bride as her confidential adviser and faithful attendant, and died in her service; a beautiful trait of ancient manners. The blessing consists in a boundless offspring, and the upper hand over their enemies. These are indicative of a thin population, and a comparatively rude state of society. âAnd her damsels.â We here learn, again, incidentally, that Rebekah had more female attendants than her nurse.
Genesis 24:62-67
Isaac receives his bride. He had been at Beer-lahai-roi, the scene of the interview of Hagar with the angel of the Lord - a spot calculated to awaken thoughts of an overruling Providence. âTo meditate.â This is a characteristic of Isaacâs retiring, contemplative mood. Abraham was the active, authoritative father; Isaac was the passive, submissive son. To meditate was to hold converse with his own thoughts, to ponder on the import of that never-to-be-forgotten scene when he was laid on the altar by a fatherâs hand, and a ram caught in the thicket became his substitute, and to pour out his soul unto the God of his salvation. In this hour of his grave reflection comes his destined bride with her faithful escort upon his view. Rebekah lights off the camel. Doubtless the conversation by the way with the elder of Abrahamâs house had made her aware of their approach to the residence of her future husband.
She concludes at once that this must be he, and, alighting, asks if it be. On being informed by the servant that this is his young master, she puts on the veil, which covers the head, and hangs down gracefully both behind and before. The aged servant reports the success of his mission, and presents Rebekah. Isaac brings his cousinâs daughter into the apartments formerly occupied by his mother, and accepts her as his wife. The formalities of the interview, and of her presentation to Abraham as his daughter-in-law, are all untold. âAnd he loved her.â This is the first mention of the social affections. It comes in probably because Isaac had not before seen his bride, and now felt his heart drawn toward her, when she was presented to his view. All things were evidently done in the fear of God, as became those who were to be the progenitors of the seed of promise. We have here a description of the primeval marriage. It is a simple taking of a woman for a wife before all witnesses, and with suitable feelings and expression of reverence toward God, and of desire for his blessing. It is a pure and holy relation, reaching back into the realms of innocence, and fit to be the emblem of the humble, confiding, affectionate union between the Lord and his people.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Genesis 24:5. Peradventure the woman will not be willing — We may see, says Calmet, by this and other passages of Scripture, Joshua 9:18, what the sentiments of the ancients were relative to an oath. They believed they were bound precisely by what was spoken, and had no liberty to interpret the intentions of those to whom the oath was made.
